Numismatic

1862/1 Three Cent Silver XF

---

In the mid nineteenth century, the United States Mint produced one of its smallest and most unusual denominations: the silver three-cent piece. This particular specimen from 1862 is especially captivating to observers because of its overdate variety, where the final digit of the year is struck over an underlying number one. Minted in Philadelphia during a turbulent period in American history, this tiny coin contains 0.0193 troy ounces of silver with a fineness of 0.900. The visual presentation of this coin is remarkably distinct. On the obverse, a large six-pointed star dominates the field, bearing an ornate shield at its very center. The reverse side features the denomination expressed as the Roman numeral III, which is nestled inside the sweeping curve of an ornamental, stylized letter C. Surviving in Extra Fine condition, this piece retains crisp details from its original manufacture. The design, created by James Longacre, showcases the delicate artistry required to engrave such intricate motifs onto a incredibly small silver planchet.